Neymar confirms confrontation between Marquinhos and PSG Sporting Director Campos

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By Martin Graham | 15th Feb 2023

A shocking confirmation of events in the Paris Saint-Germain camp has been made by PSG’s Brazilian star forward, Neymar. He shared details of a confrontation involving himself, his Brazilian teammate, Marquinhos, and the sporting director of PSG, Luis Campos.

PSG suffered a 3-1 defeat to Monaco, and reports made it out to the public that Luis Campos went down to the teams dressing room where he made it known to the players that they lacked a fighting spirit on the field, and this accusation did not go down well with some players.

Is there trouble in the PSG camp?

Following the accusation made by the sporting director, Neymar and Marquinhos confronted him, and all three were involved in a heated exchange.

After reports of the event got out to the public, Neymar was questioned about it, and he spoke at length on the issue to clear the air about all that happened.

He said: “It has happened. We didn’t agree with what was being said at that time, so we had a discussion about it. I speak to my friends every day, and I love all of them. It is like that with my girlfriend as well.

“We talk about football, all of us. Football is about communicating. Of course, there is respect on both sides, and sometimes you don’t agree on things. So, there might be a discussion to improve the team, the atmosphere, our play.

“We have lost a few games and we are frustrated about that. We want to win all the time. When those defeats come around, it hurts, so discussions are part of that. That can help us improve as a team. I think it has helped because we cleared things up. We know what we are all thinking.”

The team has an issue to deal with concerning how events off the pitch always makes it out to the public. Last year, there were stories going around about a dressing room divide involving Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Neymar also made a comment on this while speaking, he said: “In terms of blocking things like that in the dressing-room, sometimes there are things that get into the press, and they can go viral very quickly. When there is information like that, we are angry. It is my sixth season here at PSG and it is difficult. Sometimes things have come out at important moments, like before a final. But I don’t know what was going on.

“As a player and a team-mate here, that doesn’t just affect me, it affects everyone and the coach. We have to work out what is happening. Things in the dressing-room shouldn’t come out. That is sad. There are things that need to be resolved internally and not out on the street.

“You do that with your friends and family, and team-mates. You are with everyone from day to day. We have to stay together, so it’s annoying those things come out. I am sure there will be more in the future. That is all part of football.”

As regards the issue of his drop in form, since he has been able to score only one goal after the world cup, Neymar was quick to brush it aside.

“I feel good”, he said. “There have been certain games that have not gone well but I always tried to do everything I can. I have been a professional for 15 years now, I know how it works. Situations happen and criticism is valid. Everyone has an opinion. I respect that.

“But I will play the game the way I know, giving everything for the team. I will keep doing that.

“We have that ability as a team. I have a lot of belief in myself. I know what I am capable of. I am also very humble. This is an important game and I’m confident we can turn in a good performance. We know what we need to do.”

Neymar, and PSG’s next big test comes against German heavyweights, Bayern Munich, in a UEFA Champions League clash.